Culture Club have been forced to cancel their first tour in 12 years after a diagnosis came back for Boy George, telling him he had a vocal polyp.
The group were left with no other choice than to halt their UK and US run of shows so that the frontman's growth can be treated by an LA specialist.
On a personal post on his Facebook page, George wrote: "Due to serious issues with my throat I have been forced to cancel both the US and British tour with Culture Club.
"I have a polyp on one of my vocal cords which has haemorrhaged and one of my vocal cords is unusually enlarged and won't close properly when I sing. In true British fashion I have ignored it thinking the problem might just be tiredness ... I have been advised by doctors that to continue singing with this polyp would further damage my voice and would further damage my voice and could cause irreparable damage. It's a risk I just cannot take."
Admitting he's "devestated", he did promise fans that Culture Club will be back on the road as soon as possible.
"I feel gutted to be letting people down. Such support makes my decision so much harder, to say I am devastated barely touches how I feel. I know that those of you who love and support me will understand that this is a decision I just had to make. I will definitely get better and will see you all soon back on tour. Thank you for the love it means everything."
Organisers are now planning to reschedule the string of concerts but refunds are available from point of purchase.
The band's first album since 1999 is to be released early next year - an LP recorded with producer Youth and titled 'Tribes'.
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